Cookus-Butler combine to lead N. Arizona to win over UTEP
EL PASO, Texas -- Case Cookus and Emmanuel Butler combined on two touchdowns as Northern Arizona continued UTEP's winless streak from last season with a 30-10 victory on Saturday night.
UTEP opened its 101st football season under new coach Dana Dimel. The Miners last won a game when they rolled over North Texas 52-24 in the 2016 season finale.
Cookus was 19-of-26 passing for 211 yards with Butler hauling in six passes for 138 yards. One was an 84-yard touchdown sprint early in the second quarter to give the Lumberjacks a 17-0 lead. UTEP closed to 17-10 after Quardraiz Wadley broke for a 32-yard scoring run and Jason Filley booted a 24-yard field goal.
Northern Arizona quickly tacked on 13 more points in the third and coasted to the win. Joe Logan added 74 yards rushing with one touchdown for the Lumberjacks.
Kam'ron Johnson and Wes Sutton had an interception apiece for NAU. Kai Locksley threw for 120 yards for UTEP.
Game Information
2024 Big Sky Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Montana State | 7-0 | 11-0 |
| UC Davis | 6-1 | 9-2 |
| Idaho | 5-2 | 8-3 |
| Montana | 5-2 | 8-3 |
| Northern Arizona | 5-2 | 7-4 |
| Eastern Washington | 3-4 | 4-7 |
| Idaho State | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| Weber State | 2-5 | 3-8 |
| Cal Poly | 2-5 | 3-7 |
| Portland State | 2-5 | 2-8 |
| Sacramento State | 1-6 | 3-8 |
| Northern Colorado | 1-6 | 1-10 |
2024 Conference USA Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State | 6-0 | 7-3 |
| Western Kentucky | 5-1 | 7-3 |
| Sam Houston | 5-1 | 8-2 |
| Liberty | 4-2 | 7-2 |
| Louisiana Tech | 3-4 | 4-6 |
| Florida International | 2-4 | 3-7 |
| Middle Tennessee | 2-4 | 3-7 |
| UTEP | 2-5 | 2-8 |
| New Mexico State | 1-5 | 2-8 |
| Kennesaw State | 1-5 | 1-9 |
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